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If Sunday was Travis Kelce’s final NFL game, he made sure to collect one last milestone before hanging up the cleats.
The result wasn’t what Kelce’s Kansas City Chiefs wanted — a 14-12 loss to the Las Vegas Raiders — but Kelce was able to etch his name into NFL history.
The 36-year-old surpassed 13,000 yards, becoming just the third tight end in NFL history to reach that number, joining Tony Gonzalez and Jason Witten.
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Travis Kelce of the Kansas City Chiefs looks on during the national anthem prior to the game against the Las Vegas Raiders at Allegiant Stadium on January 4, 2026 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Ian Maule/Getty Images)
Kelce apparently considered retirement last year, but opted to return — maybe losing Super Bowl LIX to the Philadelphia Eagles wasn’t how he wanted to go.
However, the tight end has remained mum on his plans for 2026, giving no hints one way or the other. Kansas City will not compete in the playoffs for the first time since 2014.
After Sunday’s game, he remained noncommittal about a decision.
Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce and quarterback Patrick Mahomes wait to lead the team onto the field before a preseason NFL football game against the Jacksonville Jaguars on August 10, 2024 in Jacksonville, Florida. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack, File)
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“I want to spend some time with [the team]go through exit meetings tomorrow, get close to the family and figure things out,” he said.
However, his teammate, Chris Jones, claimed that Kelce will “be back next year.”
“I have faith that my dog will come back,” Jones added.
Kelce has spent his entire 13-year career with the Chiefs, winning three Super Bowls and playing in two others. If he decides to call it a career, there’s sure to be a bust in Canton.
Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce waves to the crowd after a loss to the Philadelphia Eagles during the NFL Super Bowl 59 football game, Sunday, Feb. 9, 2025, in New Orleans. (AP Photo/Abbie Parr)
Kelce would retire as a seven-time All-Pro with 11 Pro Bowl selections, 1,080 receptions, 13,002 yards and 84 total touchdowns.
